9 ways to know your cat really loves you

Grumpy cats, cute cats, those weird cats that like to walk on their two back legs… kitties are easily one of the internet's favourite obsessions. But as much as we pour love and adoration onto our tiny furry friends, they tend to treat us with indifference at best.

But, just when you think your cat is plotting to kill you in your sleep, you might be missing all the little ways your furball is trying to tell you that they love you.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

To decode those telltale signs of love, we asked Nicky Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Manager for a bit of insight. From scratching to staring you out, here are 10 ways to tell how your cat really feels...

1. They purr

Classic cat. Chirrs, chirps and purrs from your feline mean they're happy in your presence and trust you with their nine lives. They don't even dish these vibrations out to other cats (except their own kittens), instead saving precious purrs for Very Important Humans.

Giphy

2. They bring you things

Dead mice, small birds, bugs, old toys or even frogs; these odd little 'gifts' aren't actually for you, sorry. But they're still a good sign. As Nicky explains, "many people think that these 'gifts' are for the owner, but cats actually bring them home to where they feel secure. It’s a sign that they feel safe with you."

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Giphy

3. They meow constantly

Kittens stop meowing at other moggies when they reach adulthood, but when it comes to humans, it's a different story. Meows are one way your cat tries to show you affection, and if they won't shut up then you know they really love you.

Giphy

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4. They never leave you alone

Jumping in your bed with you, hopping on the table while you're eating dinner, or staring at you while you're on the toilet… if your cat likes to be close to you 24/7, especially if they won't stop following you even when it's close to mealtime, it's a sign they're your number one fan.

To repay your feline's dedication, fill their bowl with Whiskas. With food for kittens right through to mature cats, as well as milk food and treats, your tabby will love you so much they'll never leave your side.

Giphy

5. They get in your personal space

If you've ever woken up with your cat sleeping on your face, then you'll already know that cats don't quite understand personal space. But all that cheek-rubbing and head-bumping is actually your cat covering you in their pheromones to let other kitties know that you're taken. This is called 'bunting.' Aww.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Giphy

6. They knead you

If you've ever been privileged enough to have a cat curl up on your lap and allow you to stroke them, you've probably felt their claws sink into your thighs. The harder they dig in, the more they're enjoying your affection and returning the favour. Licking you or nibbling your clothing is also a sign of love.

Giphy

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7. They flash you

Cats won't show vulnerability to anyone except their carefully chosen inner circle, so if your cat sleeps on you, stretches out in front of you or flashes their furry tummy, then it shows that they trust you enough to let their guard down. Just don't abuse that trust; as Nicky explains, "their tummy is their most vulnerable area, so don't touch it. It’s the equivalent to you being inappropriately touched." A bum in the face is also a sign of true love - a cat form of an enthusiastic handshake, if you will.

Giphy

8. They won't stop staring at you

It's the look of love, duh. If your feline looks at you and slowly blinks, they're letting you know that they love and trust you. If you blink back, they can tell that you feel the same way. So what are you waiting for?

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Giphy

9. They greet you with their tail up

When a cat greets you at the door with their tail up, you know it's love. According to Nicky, a cat rocking up towards you with a curve at the tip of their tail means they're pleased to see you and glad you're home. "It's nice to greet them back with a head rub. That's a gentle, cat-friendly way of saying hello back."

Gooding & Co.

Return the feline affection by feeding your cat Whiskas, with food, milk and treats for your kittens right through to your mature cats

Cosmopolitan, Part of the Hearst UK Fashion & Beauty Network
Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.